High Definition Curl Brush

ABSTRACT

A multi-functional hair brush comprising an elongate body including a handle segment and a bristle segment. The bristle segment of the multi-functional hair brush includes at least two types or styles of bristles, each performing a separate and different function in styling hair. In one embodiment, the multi-functional hair brush includes a round brush bristled in two different ways to perform two different functions. The two different brislings may include first bristles on a first half of the round brush to start and straighten a difficult hair, and second bristles on a second and opposite half of the round brush to finish styling the hair. In another embodiment, the handle segment of the hair brush includes an off-set handle. The off-set handle provides improved feel and comfort in handling the hair brush while styling hair.

TECHNOLOGY FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a hair brush, and more particularly to a multi-functional hair brush having an off-set handle to improve the feel and comfort associated with handling of the hair brush as well as to more easily position the hair brush to accomplish its task.

BACKGROUND

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

Conventional hair brushes include an elongate member typically including a handle segment and a bristle segment. Commonly, the handle segment includes a round, cylindrical shape along its axial length. Also, the handle segment is typically in-line with the bristle segment along the axial lengths of these segments. This may result in discomfort as the user may have to angle his or her wrist while brushing hair.

The bristle segment of conventional hair brushes may include a solid, cylindrical shape having a constant diameter throughout its axial length. One problem with round brushes is that unsophisticated users tend to over twirl or keep rolling the hair brush causing hair to tangle and catch in the brush. A typical head of hair may require two or three different types of hair brushes to accommodate different lengths and varying textures. Conventional hair brushes, however, only have one style of bristle and as such, multiple and different hair brushes are required to perform different functions in styling hair.

Alternatively, the bristle segment may include an hourglass shape. Conventional hair brushes typically include one type of bristle and/or a common bristle pattern over the entirety of the bristle segment. Like conventional round hair brushes, these hourglass shaped hair brushes also have one style of bristle. As a result, multiple and different hair brushes are required to perform different functions in styling hair.

There exist hair brushes that allow the bristles to be changed. However, the design of conventional hair brushes having interchangeable bristles is such that hair coming across the brush falls off to the side and gets caught in the line that goes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hair brush where the interchangeable bristle member joins the handle. This results in undesirable tangling and pulling of the hair.

What is needed is a hair brush that solves one or more of the above noted problems with conventional hairbrushes.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention address and overcome one or more of the above shortcomings and drawbacks, by providing an improved hair brush for styling hair. This technology is particularly well-suited for, but by no means limited to, use in hair styling for humans.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a hair brush including a multi-functional brush head having at least two different bristles for performing different functions in hair styling. The multi-functional brush head embodiments may include two styles of bristles, each style of bristles having a specific function relating to styling of hair or dealing with different hair textures in the same head of hair. The hair brush may include a round or oval brush head having one style of bristles covering a first half of the brush head and another, and different style of bristles on a second half of the brush head. The two styles of bristles perform separate and different functions.

Other embodiments of the invention are directed to a hair brush including an off-set handle that allows the brush head to be raised to the scalp without any cocking or other movement of the wrist. The off-set handle helps align the brush head in the proper angle to the hair upon placement of the hair brush. The off-set handle facilitates aligning the hand in a comfortable horizontal position.

In another embodiment of the invention, the hair brush includes an advanced hourglass shaped design of the brush head. The advanced hourglass design of the hair brush body may include substantially straight tapered edge that extend from a central portion having a first diameter outward and upward to end portions having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. A center guide may be provided in the central portion at the intersection of the tapered edges. Embodiments of the advanced hourglass shaped design may be used in either a flat or round hair brush. The advanced hourglass shaped design allows the hair brush to cleanly enter the hair section and move smartly through hair without the need for any winding or further movement (rotation) of the hand during styling. The angle design of the edges of the hourglass shaped body is designed to hold the hair on the hair brush as it is pulled through the hair without rotation of the brush beyond approximately a ¼ turn.

In another embodiment of the invention, the hair brush includes a round hair brush having a combination of the multi-functional brush head; and the off-set handle.

In another embodiment, the hair brush may comprise a flat hair brush having an off-set handle. The hair brush body may include half of an hourglass shape. The hair brush body may accommodate interchangeable bristle heads.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments that proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The above problems in the prior art have motivated the creation of an improved hair brush. In one embodiment, the improved hair brush includes a multi-functional brush head having at least two different bristles for performing different functions in hair styling. In one embodiment, the multi-functional hair brush includes a round hair brush body having an advanced hourglass design to achieve full contact of the brush bristles with the hair and the scalp. In other embodiments, the improved hair brush includes an off-set handle that allows the brush head to be raised to the scalp without any cocking or other movement of the wrist and aligns the brush head in the proper angle to the hair upon placement of the hair brush. In yet other embodiments, the hair brush may comprise a round or oval hair brush having one or both of: the multi-functional brush head; and/or the off-set handle. In other embodiments, the hair brush may comprise a flat hair brush having an off-set handle. In another embodiment, the hair brush includes an advanced hourglass design having a reverse camber design with center guide. The hair brush is suitable for use on humans, as well as animals with hair.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an exemplary multi-functional hair brush, 10, having a handle, 25.

FIGS. 3-5 show three different views of the hair brush, 10.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are opposite side views and FIGS. 3 and 4 are opposing left and right side view, respectively. As shown, the hair brush includes an elongate body having a handle (or grip), 25, and a brush head 15. As shown, a neck 35 may be disposed between the handle and the brush head.

As shown in FIG. 1, the handle 25 includes an off-set design that improves comfort while combing hair and helps align the brush head at the proper angle to the hair upon placement.

As best shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the brush head, 15, includes a body having an essentially rectangular design, although other body designs and shapes, such as circular, oval, hourglass, etc. are possible.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the brush head, 15, includes bristles 20 and 30 extending outward from the hair brush body 15. The bristles are carried on a peripheral surface of the hair brush body. For example, the bristles may be anchored in holes formed in the peripheral surface of the hair brush body. The bristles may comprise individual bristles and/or bundles of bristles. The individual bristles and/or bundles of bristles may be arranged in rows on the hair brush body. Alternatively, the bristles may be arranged in a spiral pattern about the body. In an embodiment having a round hair brush body, the bristles may extend radially outward from the hair brush body. For example, the bristles may extend in a common radial plane extending through an axial centerline of the hair brush body.

As shown, the multi-functional brush head embodiments may include two styles of bristles, each style of bristles 20 and 30 having a specific function relating to styling of hair. As shown, the hair brush may include a round brush head having one style of bristles covering a first half of the brush head and another, and different style of bristles on a second half of the brush head. The two styles of bristles perform separate and different functions in styling hair. For example, the two different brislings may include first bristles on a first half of the round brush to start and straighten a difficult hair, and second bristles on a second and opposite half of the round brush to finish styling the hair.

In one embodiment, the first bristles 20 on the first half of the hair brush may comprise a natural boar bristle with a nylon quill in the center style bristles that can be used to start a difficult hair and begin to smooth, straighten, and untangle it. The second bristles 30 on the second half of the hair brush may comprise a natural bore style bristles. Once the hair is under control using the first bristles, the multi-functional hair brush may be rotated 180 degrees and the second bristles may be used to finish (e.g., style, add body or volume, shine and polish, etc.) the hair. As such, all of the styling may be performed using one brush, as opposed to the conventional way in which two separate brushes would be required.

The bristles may include a variety of bristle styles. For example, the bristles may range from natural bristle to synthetic bristles to accommodate different hair types. The bristles may include straight bristles or angled bristles. Exemplary bristle styles include.

Boar: This bristle is the actual hair of a boar (hog). Boar bristles are considered ideal because they close the cuticle layer, the outside armor of the hair and create shiny hair. Boar bristles are natural, soft, flexible bristles that gently brush the hair.

Nylon: This name represents a category for all types of bristles made of plastic, nylon, rubber, or similar materials. Nylon bristles can be soft and flexible or stiff and firm and offer little to maximum control, depending on how closely the bristles are placed and how flexible the material. As a natural element these bristles also attract oil and other product in the hair which is then attached to the boar follicle and it allows the smoothing out of product in the hair as well. In addition, the boar bristle addresses the moisture in the follicles and works to pull out the moisture.

Porcupine: Porcupine is a term used for a tufted bristle with a nylon quill, multiple bristles grouped together that usually include a combination of boar and nylon bristles its gentle, but it exerts a good hold on the hair. This design is excellent for controlling fine hair, as well as for thoroughly penetrating and brushing thick hair right down to the scalp.

Functions that may be performed using the multi-functional hair brush include:

Starting difficult hair, detangling hair Creating straight, smooth styles Adding body or volume Adding shine and polish Scalp massage effect Creating curl and movement Creating a sleek finish Curling hair Styling hair Removing moisture Producing special effects Creating longer lasting style Producing faster/quick results

Types of hair that may be styled and treated using the multi-functional hair brush include:

long hair; medium-length hair: short hair; curly; wavy; or straight fine; medium: coarse; round layers: textured outlines.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the bristles 20 and 30 may include substantially equal lengths. Stated another way, the bristles may extend substantially the same distance above the peripheral surface of the hair brush body.

In another embodiment, the first bristles on the first half of the hair brush comprise first lengths, wherein the first lengths comprise substantially equal lengths; and the second bristles on the second half of the hair brush comprise second lengths, wherein the second lengths comprise substantially equal lengths. In one embodiment, the first lengths and the second lengths are substantially the same. In another embodiment, the first lengths and the second lengths comprise different lengths.

Alternatively, the bristles may include predetermined and varying lengths. For example, the length of the bristles may be predetermined to ensure that a plane formed by the distal ends of the bristles form an arched plane equally distant from the axial centerline of hair brush body (i.e., the distal ends of a row of bristles forms a straight line substantially parallel with the axial centerline of hair brush body).

The hair bush body may comprise a plastic material, wood material, ceramic material, and the like. The handle may comprise a plastic material, wood material, ceramic material, and the like. The hair brush may include a variety of sizes. For example, the hair brush may have a length of 9.5-10.5 inches.

The shape of the brush head body generally matches the curved shape of a person's scalp and helps ensure full contact of the hair brush during styling and combing of hair. The advanced hourglass design allows the hair brush to be bristled with equal length bristles, with the even length bristles conforming to the shape of the head so that less (or no) hair follicles fall off the brush and full tension in maintained on the hair strand over the entire length of the brush head length. This results in faster and better blow drying and styling.

The improved hair brush provides one or more of the following advantages and benefits:

-   -   Single hair brush to perform multiple functions. The         multi-functional hair brush having two different styles of         bristles allows a single hair brush perform multiple distinct         functions in styling hair. The multi-function hair brush may be         used with each of a different style bristle being used to         perform a different function in treating/styling different hair         types found on the same scalp. A user is able to handle these         different hair types immediately without switching brushes.     -   The advanced hourglass shaped design of the brush head, in         either the flat or round configuration, allows the hair brush to         cleanly enter the hair section and move smartly through hair         without the need for any winding or further movement (rotation)         of the hand during general brushing and blow drying. The angle         design of the edges of the hourglass shaped body is designed to         hold the hair follicles and releases them as the hair brush is         pulled through the hair without winding or turning of the brush         (beyond approximately a ¼ turn).     -   Off-set handle provides ease of use and comfort. Off-set handle         helps align the hand on the handle with the thumb in a         comfortable horizontal manner. Also, helps align the brush head         at the proper angle to the hair upon placement. More comfort         when pulling out because not as much wrist bend is required.     -   Interchangeable bristle types/styles. Provides increased         functionality and versatility in use of hair brush. Also, the         design of the interchangeable elements provides a joint between         the bristle elements and the handle that is in-line with the         axial centerline of the brush and therefore hair does not grab         or get caught in the joint.     -   Crown or center guide for helping to penetrate the hair and to         guide the hair brush through the hair during combing.     -   Better styling in less time. The hourglass shape achieves full         contact of the brush bristles with the hair and the scalp. This         contact gives a much wider brushing area than the one obtained         with regular brushes.     -   More control. The angle provided by the tapered edges in the         hourglass shape prevents hair from sliding out of the brush         bristles during styling.     -   More volume. Second set of bristles for finishing brush a         greater number of bristles reach the hair roots, stretching and         pulling them up to the heat of the blow-dryer. The final hairdo         is then full bodied.     -   Better finishing of hair ends. The middle area of the barrel has         a smaller diameter than the ends of the barrel, allowing the         hair ends to wrap around firmly. With this grip the hair ends         are more controlled, offering better results in less time.     -   Better styling in less time. The hourglass shape achieves full         contact of the brush bristles with the hair and the scalp. This         contact gives a much wider brushing area than the one obtained         with regular brushes.     -   One set of bristles used to start styling hair may comprise 100%         natural boar bristles with one nylon quill in the center     -   One set of bristles used to finish styling hair may comprise         100% natural boar bristles.     -   The bristles may also be made of nylon as desired by the user.

The following describes an exemplary use of the multi-functional hair brush having off-set handle. To start, the hair may be medium to coarse. After applying a styling product (optional), the first set of bristles on the multi-functional hair brush may be used, for example, to comb through, get the curl out of, detangle, get the roughness out of, get product into, etc. the hair. Proper use of a hair brush instructs that one take a section of hair (i.e., a strip of hair), place the hair brush on or under the hair, make approximately a quarter turn with the brush, and pull the hair brush through the hair. The quarter turn with the brush is made about the axial centerline of the brush. So proper use of the hair brush is section, quarter turn and pull. As such, only about one half of the brush is being used (e.g., the first half including the first set of bristles).

Once the hair is brushed using the first set of bristles the hair may be detangled and ready for styling (e.g., fine to medium hair), the other half of the multi-functional hair brush may be used to finish the styling process. For example, the hair brush may be rotated 180 degrees so that the second set of bristles is facing the hair. Again, proper use of a hair brush instructs that one section, quarter turn and pull. So, now the other half of the brush is being used to perform a second function on the hair (e.g., the second half including the second set of bristles). By providing two different styles of bristles—each capable of performing separate and different functions, a single hair brush may perform multiple functions. This eliminates the need for multiple, different hair brushes.

Further, the off-set handle provide the additional benefit of an easier, much more comfortable way to approach the hair because a stylist does not have to bend his or her wrists as much. The thumb and finger rests align the hand in a comfortable horizontal manner on the handle. The off-set handle also provides more comfort during brushing since the hand is in a more comfortable position (e.g., less wrist bending) with the off-set when pulling the hair brush out of the hair.

Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover be construed to all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A hairbrush comprising: a handle segment; a neck segment and a brush head comprising a geometric shape with a top and bottom side wherein the brush head top side and bottom side have a plurality of bristles attached to the top and bottom side of the brush head in a predetermined geometric pattern.
 2. The hairbrush of claim 1, wherein the brush head further comprises a protruding center guide located at a center portion of the shaped brush head, the protruding center guide extending radially around the periphery of the center portion of the brush head.
 3. The hairbrush of claim 1, wherein the brush head further comprises a multi-functional brush head, the multi-functional brush head comprising a first half of the brush head comprising a first style of bristles and a second half of the brush head comprising a second style of bristles, wherein the first style of bristles and second style of bristles are different styles of bristles.
 4. The hairbrush of claim 1, wherein the bristles are set at a predetermined off-set angle between the bristles.
 5. The hairbrush of claim 1, wherein the brush head includes a generally cylindrical shape having a central portion with radius that is less than the radius of the ends of the hourglass, and the surface of the brush head includes a substantially straight taper between the ends and central portion.
 6. The hairbrush of claim 1, wherein the hourglass shape includes a generally cylindrical shape having a central portion with radius that is less than the radius of the ends of the hourglass, and the surface of the brush head includes a taper between the ends and central portion that changes according to the axial direction.
 7. The hairbrush of claim 4, wherein the first style of bristles comprise natural boar bristles with one nylon quill in the center and the second style of bristles comprise natural boar bristles without a nylon quill.
 8. The hairbrush of claim 4, wherein the bristles are nylon bristles. 